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Northern New Mexico Ranch For Sale

The Monte Verde Ranch is mostly comprised of alpine meadowland in the western sections and forested mountainside on the eastern portion of the ranch. The elevation of the ranch varies from 8,240' to 10,156'. The forest is comprised mostly of Ponderosa Pine, White Fir, Douglas Fir and Blue Spruce. Lush native grasses and plant life indigenous to the area cover the mountain meadows and parts of the ranch and provides habitat for a variety of wildlife and livestock.

Two streams influence the property and add significantly to its appeal. American Creek is an attractive mountain stream that is renown for its fishing and is a spawning creek for Eagle Nest Lake. The stream runs southeast to northwest through the property, roughly bisecting the ranch into two halves before flowing into Cieneguilla Creek. Vegetation along the stream is typical of Northern New Mexico flora and fauna, with cottonwood trees and willows. The area along the stream has excellent appeal as home sites. Cieneguilla Creek runs through the western portion of the ranch, traveling through meadowland as it makes its way to Eagle Nest Lake. Cieneguilla is one of the lake's major tributaries.

Two trout ponds on the ranch provide some of the most beautiful and best fishing in the area. Rainbow, Brook and German Brown trout, as well as Kokone salmon, are often caught in these ponds and streams.

Monte Verde Ranch is nestled on 1,000 acres of Moreno Valley ranch land, in the heart of New Mexico. The ranch is operated by the LeBus family. Sally's parents, Roy and LaVena LeBus, purchased the 10,000 acre Monte Verde Ranch in 1954; and in 1956, added another 15,000 acres, when they purchased the Cieneguilla Ranch. Both ranches were originally part of the Maxwell Land Grant.

The LeBus family spent summers at the ranch, experimenting with a number of livelihoods. They were loggers and operated a pole-treating plant, manufacturing telephone poles and fence posts; raised quarter horses for several years, and raised cattle. Early in the 1960's, profit in the cattle business was declining; and Roy LeBus began looking around for a way to make the ranch more productive. Red River and Taos both had ski areas that appeared to be attracting crowds, and Roy's family loved skiing; so he embarked on building a ski resort.

Roy's plan was to build a year round resort, including a ski area, golf course, and country club. He would sell lots, and the resort amenities would be included with property ownership. Roy's family and his brother put in chair lifts, and built a country club, Monte Verde Lake, and a 9 hole golf course. They named the resort Angel Fire, based on Indian folklore. According to legend, the Ute Indians called this area Angel Fire, because they could see the form of an angel with extended wings, lying on the moutainside. Sally says if you look, as you ride up the mountain on the chair lift; you can see the angel, as you pass over her waist.

In the early 1970's, Sally's parents sold the resort, but kept the Ranch House along with 1,000 acres. Sally had been living in Texas, and returned to Angel Fire, to operate and manage Monte Verde Ranch as a bed and breakfast. Sally fancies hands on management; you will awaken to the aroma of her coffee and biscuits, served up with her personal attention.

Northern New Mexico Ranch
Monte Verde Ranch
6 miles north of Angel Fire, New Mexico
6 miles south of Eagle Nest New Mexico
15 miles south of Red River, New Mexico
25 miles east of Taos New Mexico

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